The Pro Life Campaign has criticised the attempt by Deputy Ruth Coppinger to stir up support for the repeal of the 8th Amendment through her latest abortion Bill in the Dail.
Commenting on the Bill debated today, Deputy Chairperson of the Pro Life Campaign, Cora Sherlock said:
“The 8th Amendment (Article 40.3.3) is the last remaining constitutional protection for the unborn in Ireland. Since its insertion into the Constitution in 1983, it has ensured that pregnant women in Ireland receive all necessary medical treatment and at the same time has provided full protection for the unborn child’s right to life. It is no exaggeration to say that tens of thousands of people are alive in Ireland today thanks to the 8th Amendment. We know of many mothers who are grateful for the Amendment, because without it their children may never have been born.”
She continued:
“Since the Government introduced abortion legislation in 2013, abortion is legal throughout the full nine months of pregnancy on a threat of suicide, without any medical evidence to back it up. This law is unjust and must be repealed but at least while the 8th Amendment is still in place, the right to life of the unborn child must still be considered by doctors in Ireland.”
“What Deputy Coppinger and her supporters ignore is that the repeal of this Amendment would remove the rights of an entire group of human beings in Irish society – the unborn. It would be wholly preferable if the Deputy engaged in a debate that addressed the practical reasons why women feel the need to have abortions,” Cora Sherlock concluded.
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